BANGALORE: The High Court on Tuesday directed the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) and state government to maintain status quo in the selection of Panchayat Department Officers (PDOs).
The orders were passed in a petition alleging the state of appointing candidates by violating rule of equal chance on equal marks, further hearing of which was adjourned to March 6. The petitioner N S Vijayanth Babu stated that Articles 14 and 16 of the Indian Constitution were violated due to district-wise selection.
HC Issues Notice to Lokayukta
The High Court on Tuesday issued notice to Lokayukta in connection with a petition filed by Jindal Mining Company to quash the FIR against them on illegal mining. It further quashed the interim prayer on ordering stay on Lokayukta investigation and proceedings.
In the Lokayukta report on July 27, 2011, it was reported that Jindal Mining Company had offered `40 crore as kickbacks to the trust owned by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and his sons, in exchange for permits for mining leases.